I remember that we debated some time back about the "single stone" on top of tanjore temple gopuram and kamal(or someone else?)'s explanation that it is not really a single stone etc etc.
I came across an interesting thread in Agathiyam in which Dr.Jaybee explains some of his ideas and also clears our doubts about "single stone". Infact THERE IS INDEED AN 80 TONNES SINGLE STONE ON TOP OF VIMANA - but it is not the one we are talking about. It is just below the top cone shape (Thamarai idazhgal in Bala's writing).
Oflate, I've stopped wondering how much Dr.Jaybee knows - avar oru nadamadum encyclopiedia! At the end, there is an unanswered question from him. May be we can attempt it!!
OK. Try panren. Pizza is eaten after it is sliced. So I'll give two possibilities -you asked for more than one :( 1. Slices: If there is some way of slicing the actual whole scaffolding into parts, and *recycling* the trees, they wouldnt have had to deforest the region.2. Eating pizza. The slice is usually eaten at the apex first, so considering the whole scaffolding to be constructed like a triangular structure.... and starting at the apex and widening as you go up, oops, you'll need more trees then.. I dont think it would have worked. How close was I? Am I anywhere near the correct answer? If not I need more clues (something which is not edible, I think food veils my thoughts) Waiting for the answer.......... Thilak I wont worry if its wrong. Neenga epadiyum correct-ana answer-a solliduvinga!
C'm on. Give it a try. Give more than one possibility. If its wrong, don't worry.